Herbs that Tonify Yin
Nu Zhen Zi 女真子
Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Privet Fruit, Ligustrum
Also known as Nu Zhen, Dong Qing Zi, Nu Zhen Shi
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Materia Medica Data
- Category
- Herbs that Tonify Yin
- Temperature
- Cool, Neutral
- Nature & Flavour
- Bitter, Sweet, Cool (or Neutral)
- Channels Entered
- KI, LIV
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Fructus Ligustri Lucidi
- Chinese
- 女真子
- Tone Marks
- nǚ zhēn zĭ
- Also Known As
- Nu Zhen, Dong Qing Zi, Nu Zhen Shi
- Translation
- Female Chastity Seed
Chinese Herb Actions
- Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin and Jing For dizziness, spots before the eyes, prematurely grey hair, tinnitus, sore and weak low back and knees
- Clears Heat and Brightens the Eyes Treats vision problems including blurred vision, dry eyes, and diminished vision due to excess and Deficient conditions. For red and painful eyes due to Liver Yang Rising
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 10-15 grams in decoction 12
- 9-18 grams in decoction 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Do not use in cases of diarrhea due to Spleen and Stomach Deficiency leading to Cold
- Use caution in cases with Yang deficiency
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- None Noted.
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Nu Zhen Zi lowers plasma glucose levels. Combining this herb with anti-diabetic medication such as insulin or sulfonylureas may result in hypoglycemia. 12
Chinese Herb Notes
- This herb is also useful in cases of lymph or lung tuberculosis due to Yin Deficiency.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
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